Ready! Set! Go!

Mary O'Keefe

In an effort to prepare the public for major wildfires, the Los Angeles County Fire Department will stage a “Living in the Fire Zone” expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 8 in La Cañada's Memorial Park, 1201 Foothill Blvd.

“The expo is a collaborative with the community and Supervisor Michael Antonovich's office,” said Stephanie English, spokeswoman for County Fire.

Booths expected to be showcased at the expo include new developments in fire retardant gel that can be sprayed on a home and surrounding vegetation as a fire advances; pumps that allow firefighters to siphon water from backyard swimming pools; and vent covers to protect attics from drifting embers.

County officials will also be highlighting their new “Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan” outreach program, which includes a detailed brochure on fire prevention and preparation.

“The education and information is not new, but what is new is bringing it all together in one large booklet that discusses all aspects of being prepared,” English said.

The brochure has a section that features an evacuation checklist. English said the checklist was inspired by the wildfires in Australia earlier this year, when more than 100 people died trying to defend their homes.

“Residents don't appreciate how quickly fire can turn. You can't out-drive or out-run it. It is important that residents do everything they can to prepare before a fire. Then, when they are asked to leave, they will be ready,” English said.